Shoe Tongue Covering Device

ABSTRACT

A shoe tongue covering device for updating the appearance of a shoe and providing comfort to a user&#39;s foot. The shoe tongue covering device includes an elongated cover that removably secures to an existing shoe tongue. The cover includes a front surface and a rear surface, wherein the rear surface can be positioned flush against the tongue of a shoe. The cover is tapered and includes a plurality of vertically oriented loops disposed on the front surface thereof so as to receive shoelaces therethrough, thus locking the device in position. In an alternative embodiment, the cover is composed of stretchable material and includes an open interior, a closed upper end, and an open lower end, wherein the lower end stretches in order to receive the shoe tongue therein.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/065,809 filed on Oct. 20, 2014. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to shoe tongue covering devices. More specifically, the present invention provides a shoe tongue covering device comprising an elongated cover having a front surface and a rear surface, wherein the rear surface is adapted to rest flush against the tongue of a shoe. The device further comprises a plurality of vertically oriented loops disposed on the front surface adapted to receive one or more shoelaces therethrough, wherein the loop and shoelace configuration removably secure the elongated cover to the shoe. In an alternative embodiment, the shoe tongue covering device comprises an open interior, a closed upper end, and an open lower end, wherein the lower end is adapted to receive the tongue of a shoe therein. Alternatively, the shoe tongue covering device comprises a first and second separable edge vertically disposed along the rear surface of the elongated cover that are connectable by one or more fasteners, such as a hook and loop material.

Many people seek ways to display their personal style and showcase their personality through clothing and shoes. Some of these individuals enjoy matching their sneakers to their outfit. Unfortunately, this requires the purchase of several pairs of sneakers, which is expensive and impractical for many individuals, especially parents with multiple children. A more cost effective method of matching clothing and shoes is to adapt existing footwear to the style and color of the clothing items. Since footwear is generally more expensive than shirts and pants, having the ability to update the style of existing footwear in conjunction with diverse clothing items can allow one to coordinate outfits without incurring excessive expenses.

Furthermore, the tongue of many sneakers are thin and flimsy, having rigid edges that dig into the upper portion of an individual's foot. This is extremely uncomfortable for an individual, especially when having to wear the same pair of sneakers all day or when performing activities that require a lot of movement, such as sports or exercise. Therefore, there is an existing need in the prior art for a device that provides comfort to an existing tongue of a shoe and allows the shoe to be matched to a chosen garment without having to purchase new footwear.

It is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the prior art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing shoe tongue covering devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of shoe tongue covering devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new shoe tongue covering device wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when covering a tongue of a user's existing shoe.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved shoe tongue covering device that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a shoe tongue covering device comprising an elongated cover having a front surface and rear surface, wherein the rear surface is adapted to rest flush against the tongue of a shoe.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a shoe tongue covering device wherein the front surface of the elongated cover comprises a plurality of vertically oriented loops disposed thereon and adapted to receive one or more shoe laces therethrough, thereby removably securing the cover in place.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a shoe tongue covering device wherein, in an alternative embodiment, the elongated cover comprises a closed upper end, an open interior volume, and an open lower end, wherein the open lower end is adapted to receive the tongue of a shoe therein.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a shoe tongue covering device wherein, in an alternative embodiment, the cover includes a rear surface having a first and second separable edge therealong that are connectable by one or more fasteners, such as a hook and loop material.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a shoe tongue covering device further comprising, in an alternative embodiment, a pad disposed on the interior of the elongated cover so as to provide comfort to a user's foot when the elongated cover is pressed thereagainst.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a shoe tongue covering device that may be readily fabricated from materials that permit relative economy and are commensurate with durability.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the shoe tongue covering device.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the shoe tongue covering device.

FIG. 3 shows a rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the shoe tongue covering device.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the shoe tongue covering device in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the shoe tongue covering device. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for covering a tongue of a shoe. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the shoe tongue covering device. The shoe tongue covering device 11 comprises an elongated cover 12 that is adapted to removably secure to an existing tongue 24 of a shoe. The elongated cover 12 comprises a rear surface, a front surface 25, an upper end 15, and a lower end 16. The rear surface of the elongated cover 12 is adapted to be positioned flush against the tongue 24 of a shoe. The elongated cover 12 tapers from the upper end 15 towards the lower end 16 thereof in order to correspond to the shape of a tongue 24 of a shoe. The upper end 15 comprises a convex curvature, such that the shape thereof corresponds to the shape of the upper end of the tongue. The elongated cover 12 is composed of any suitable material, including fabric, nylon, Lycra, and Poly-Lycra. In some embodiments, the elongated cover 12 comprises a pad disposed on the front surface 25 or rear surface thereof in order to provide cushioning to the user's foot by alleviating pressure applied to the user's foot from the tightening of the shoelaces 17. The dimension of the pad is substantially the same dimension of elongated cover 12 so as to provide cushioning to the entire surface thereof.

The shoe tongue covering device 11 further comprises a plurality of loops 13 disposed on the front surface 25 of the elongated cover 12 that are adapted to receive one or more shoelaces 17 therethrough. A loop 13 comprises a strip of material having an upper edge and a lower edge, wherein the upper and lower edges are secured the front surface 25 of the elongated cover 12. An opening is provided between the front surface 25 and each lateral edge of the loop 13 so as to receive shoelaces 17 therebetween. The loops 13 are secured to the elongated cover 12 by any suitable fastener, such as stitching. The loops 13 are vertically oriented along the length of the elongated cover 12 and are centrally positioned thereon. The loops 13 are spaced at fixed intervals and adapted to prevent the elongated cover 12 from sliding upwards along the tongue 24. In operation, the shoelaces 17 are positioned through each loop so as to form an X-shape thereunder, wherein the loop 13 presses against the shoelaces 17. In this way, the loops 13 and shoelace 17 configuration prevent the elongated cover 12 from sliding along the tongue 24 or the shoe by using the shoelaces 17 as a securing mechanism. In some embodiments, the rear surface of the elongated cover 12 comprises a plurality of loops 13 thereon in order to allow the device 11 to be used in a reverse configuration. The loops 13 are disposed on the rear surface in the same configuration as shown on the front surface 25 of the illustrated embodiment.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the shoe tongue covering device. In the illustrated embodiment, the elongated cover 12 comprises a rear surface, a front surface 25, a closed upper end 15, an open lower end 16, and a plurality of loops 13 disposed on the front surface 25 thereof. The elongated cover 12 has an open interior volume in order to receive a tongue 24 of a shoe therein rather than allowing the rear surface of the cover 12 to rest flush against the tongue 24. The closed upper end 15 prevents the upper end of the tongue 24 of the shoe from becoming exposed therethrough. The elongated cover 12 is composed of any suitable stretchable material, including Lycra and Poly-Lycra. The material of the elongated cover 12 allows the lower end 16 thereof to be stretched in order to be placed over the tongue 24 of the shoe. In some embodiments, the lower end of the elongated cover 12 comprises a stretchable material, whereas the upper end can be composed of any suitable non-stretchable material.

In the illustrated embodiment, the shoe tongue covering device 11 further comprises a pad disposed within the interior of the elongated cover 12. The pad 14 is planar and is secured to the interior of the elongated cover 12 by any suitable fastener, such as adhesive or stitching. In use, the rear surface of the elongated cover 12 rests against the top of a user's foot. As the shoelace 17 and loop 13 configuration are used to secure the elongated cover 12 to the shoe, the rear surface of the elongated cover 12 becomes pressed against the user's foot. The pad 14 is adapted to provide cushioning and comfort to the user's foot by alleviating pressure applied to the user's foot from the tightening of the shoelaces 17.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the shoe tongue covering device. In an alternative embodiment, the elongated cover 12 comprises a rear surface, a front surface 25, a closed upper end 15, an open lower end 16, and a plurality of loops 13 disposed on the front surface 25 thereof. The illustrated embodiment is composed of a fabric material rather than a stretchable material and instead includes a slit extending from the lower end 16 towards the upper end 15 thereof. In this way, the shoe tongue can be inserted into the interior volume of the elongated cover 12 via the slit, and the slit can be sealed in a closed configuration once the shoe tongue has been inserted therein. The slit comprises a separable line of connection 27 disposed along the rear surface 26 of the elongated cover 12. The line of connection 27 is separable to facilitate and allow the tongue to be readily inserted therein. The line of connection 27 is vertically oriented. However, in other embodiments, the line of connection 27 can be disposed in any suitable orientation, including a zig-zag, a diagonal line, or multiple lines of connection 27. The line of connection 27 comprises a first edge 22 and a second edge 23, wherein the line of connection 27 extends from the lower end 16 of the elongated cover 12 towards the closed upper end 15 thereof. The second edge 23 comprises hook material disposed thereon and the first edge 22 comprises loop material, wherein the second edge 23 overlaps the first edge 22 and is removably secured thereto. In other embodiments, the edges 22, 23 are removably secured to one another by any suitable fastener, such as clips or a zipper.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the shoe tongue covering device in use. In operation, the tongue of a shoe can be positioned flush against the rear surface of the elongated cover or, in an alternative embodiment, inserted into the hollow interior volume of the elongated cover 12. In an alternative embodiment, the shoe tongue is inserted into the open lower end of the elongated cover 12, whereby the elongated cover 12 is moved over the shoe tongue such that the shoe tongue is substantially enclosed thereby. The laces 17 of the shoe are placed through the loops 13 of the device 11, thereby locking the shoe tongue covering device 11 onto the shoe.

The shoe tongue covering device 11 is adapted to be provided in assorted colors and designs, from solid colors to multicolored patterns, to various logos and graphics in order to accommodate the user's preferences. This updates the look of the footwear for outfit matching purposes. Additionally, the shoe tongue covering device 11 allows a shoe having a dirty and damaged tongue to appear cleaner and newer. Furthermore, the shoe tongue covering device 11 eliminates the need to purchase several different shoes in order to match to an outfit or provide a different style thereto.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

I claim: 1) A shoe tongue covering device, comprising: an elongated cover having a front surface, an open interior volume, and an open lower end opposing a closed upper end, wherein said open lower end is adapted to receive a tongue of a shoe therein; wherein said elongated cover is tapered towards said open lower end; a plurality of loops vertically oriented and disposed on said front surface of said elongated cover adapted to receive one or more shoelaces therein. 2) The shoe tongue covering device of claim 1, further comprising a pad having a corresponding shape to said elongated cover is secured to said open interior of said elongated cover. 3) The shoe tongue covering device of claim 1, wherein said elongated cover is composed of elastic material. 4) The shoe tongue covering device of claim 1, wherein a rear surface of said elongated cover comprises a separable line of connection initiating from said open lower end of said elongated cover and extending towards said closed upper end of said elongated cover. 5) The shoe tongue covering device of claim 4, wherein said separable line of connection is formed by a first edge and a second edge, wherein said second edge overlaps said first edge and is removably secured thereto by one or more fasteners. 6) The shoe tongue covering device of claim 5, wherein said one or more fasteners are hook and loop material. 7) The shoe tongue covering device of claim 1, wherein said closed upper end includes a convex curvature. 8) The shoe tongue covering device of claim 1, wherein said plurality of loops are spaced at a fixed interval. 9) A shoe tongue covering device, comprising: an elongated cover having a front surface, a rear surface, an upper end, and a lower end, wherein said rear surface is adapted to rest flush against a tongue of a shoe; wherein said elongated cover is tapered towards said lower end; a plurality of loops vertically oriented and disposed on said front surface of said elongated cover adapted to receive one or more shoelaces therein. 10) The shoe tongue covering device of claim 9, wherein said upper end of said elongated cover includes a convex curvature. 11) The shoe tongue covering device of claim 9, wherein said plurality of loops are spaced at a fixed interval. 